It's sheer luck that Kenyans did not fight during the election period - EU report

- The European Union noted it was Kenyans' sheer resolve that the country did not plunge into another post election violence

- Observer Marietje Schaake noted that despite their instances of violence being noted, Kenyans wanted to be peaceful

- Her observation came three months after the disputed October 26 repeat presidential win in which President Uhuru Kenyatta won

The European Union observed that it was by sheer luck that Kenya did not plunge into chaos and violence during the two previous 2017 elections; namely, the August 8 General Election and the October 26 repeat presidential election.

Speaking from the European Union where she was forced to give the report from 3 months after the election, Marietje Schaake said it was Kenyans' strong resolve to prevent another post election violence from erupting.

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"Violence by police and civilians during the charged electoral period was noted. The Kenyan people did not fully enjoy their democratic right. It was Kenyans' resolve to be peaceful that averted the country from plunging into chaos. The fact that Kenya is not in a worse situation can be attributed to the Kenyan people," said Schaake.

The period between August 8 and October 26 was particularly hostile after the National Super Alliance successfully launched a presidential election petition after President Uhuru Kenyatta won the first round.

Politics became divisive and tribal, and opposition supporters demonstrated against the August 26 election and its "predetermined outcome" as per the opposition's beliefs.

Scores of lives, including children, were lost and many others severely wounded. This was particularly noted when police responded to opposition political events.

The aftermath of the October 26 poll was also particularly tense after NASA front runner Raila Odinga said the People's Assembly would swear him in as president based on the August 8 poll in which the opposition claimed he won but his victory stolen.